OREANDA-NEWS. February 26, 2016. Edison issues research update on Standard Life Euro. Pvt. Equity Trust

Standard Life European Private Equity Trust (SEP) provides access to a select portfolio of private equity funds investing predominantly in Europe (including the UK). The manager focuses on funds investing in mid-market buyouts that give high levels of operational input to investee companies. SEP is differentiated from European fund-of-fund peers by its focused portfolio with 11 private equity managers representing over 80% of NAV. SEP's NAV total return has outperformed European peers represented by the LPX Europe index over one, three, five and 10 years. A mature portfolio and the 14% average value uplift on exit achieved in FY15 are encouraging indicators for NAV progression and positive cash flows.

Mirroring wider market weakness, listed private equity company discounts have widened recently, implying lower medium-term growth expectations for private equity-backed businesses. This differs from the relatively strong near-term trading outlook presented in aggregate by the underlying companies in SEP's portfolio. SEP's current 32.7% discount represents its widest level for more than three years, suggesting scope for significant narrowing once investor sentiment improves.